Jenivieve Berlin

Jenivieve Berlin by Jennifer Martin has recently celebrated its second year of producing controversial, alternative millinery for women across all ages, and throughout all styles. The last two years have seen the label grow from strength to strength throughout not only Scotland, but the rest of the UK and New York.

Originally creating head wear for dancers, the journey of Jenivieve Berlin has been an exciting combination of mastering traditional millinery techniques and design, along with adapting to the fluid-like fashion industry. The label is constantly evolving, and churning out fresh designs, with a raw edge.

After winning the Mike Smith, Magnus Magnusson business Award, from Glasgow Caledonian University in late April 2012, the company was able to showcase at June's Brighton Fashion Week alongside designers such as Jess Eton & Isolated Heroes. This was the first ever individual showing of a Jenivieve Berlin Millinery collection in England, and it received an excellent response.

In early July 2012 Jenni was offered a once in a lifetime chance to intern with Philip Treacy, London. This opportunity involved a three month work placement within his workshop in Battersea, London, two weeks of which consisted of a one on one with Philip himself. During this time Jenni worked on Philip's collection for his show during London Fashion Week September 2012, in the Royal Court of Justice, London. Along with learning new techniques, working with incredible materials, and sitting in on design meetings, was the opportunity to view high profile model fittings, show choreography, venue management, meet celebrities such as Grace Jones and Lady Gaga, and make invaluable industry contacts.

Jenivieve Berlin Millinery (JBM)has always worked closely with Glasgow designers Obscure Couture, and in February 2012 they collaborated on their Lithium Party AW12 collection for London Fashion Week. The designs by JBM featured over-sized, illuminated hearts with the slogan 'Love is the Drug' emblazoned upon them, as well as Swarovski encrusted heart crowns in fuchsia pink and patterned gold roses. These designs went on to be featured in the Obscure Couture film which was premiered at the GFT during the Glasgow Film Festival 2012. AW13 is no different, with another JBM, Obscure Couture collaboration, this time for their collection A Weekend in Hell. It consists of distorted, crystallised veils, along with heavy brass train, and fishnet-esque tulle.This collaboration was featured in the Scottish Herald's fashion special in April 2013.

This last year has been a fantastic one for JBM with regards the media and representing Scottish fashion across the UK and America. JBM was featured in C-Heads magazine (England) during June Issue, and the cult fashion favourite Slave magazine during August, as well as on the Vogue Itallia website, and Botchii magazine (Australia) in March 2013. International fashion publication Fashion Affair based in New York has featured JBM designs in editorials in three issues (September 12, December 12, & February 13). They are going crazy for the upbeat and bold design twisted with traditional millinery blocking and materials.

Over the last year Jenivieve Berlin has supported of young fashion icon and music starlet Tallia Storm, and JBM designs are often sported by Tallia during her highest fashion outings. She has been pictured wearing a bespoke JBM in LOOK magazine during the LOOK fashion event in London. Also in the Scottish Herald, Evening Times, and Metro sporting a piece from the Blood, Sweat, & Tears SS12 collection at the premier of Disney's Brave. Finally, Tallia opted for the pastel rose crown from the SS13 Jungle Geisha collection to complete her outfit for the Rihanna for River Island fashion show during London Fashion Week AW13. Jenivieve Berlin will hopefully go on to further support Tallia in the future, and see her as not only the face of JBM, but also as a great muse, and Scottish style icon

Early 2013 saw JBM release the first ever ready-to-wear collection which featured blocked felt alternative bowlers, turquoise skull caps with acid washed ostrich feathers, dark rose crowns, and firework corsage pillboxs. The collection echoed the true style of JBM, mixing the old with the new and edgy to promote not only Scottish design, but also locally sourced materials. The collection was met by a great response, and sold extremely well through the new website boutique. It shall be available on ASOS market place very shortly, as well as in boutiques across London in the not too distant future.

2012/2013 has been an exciting year for Jenivieve Berlin Millinery, and has shown that the company has grown and evolved. The skill level has increased, without losing that flare for design, and passion to try new materials, venues, styles, and cities. Now living in London, with the most unbelievable materials at our fingertips, and with our mentor Philip Treacy at our sides, Jenivieve Berlin will continue to flourish and produce brave head sculptures than will represent Scottish Fashion and push the boundaries of design and tradition.